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Karen Killilea, whose strength and determination in the face of cerebral palsy made her admired by those who knew her and those who read her mother’s books about her, died Oct. 30 at a nursing facility in Port Chester. She was 80.
Karen’s mother, Marie Killilea, told her daughter’s story in two best-selling books, “Karen” and “With Love From Karen,” published in 1952 and 1963, respectively. They drew praise and letters from around the world.
Karen did not think of herself as disabled; she described herself as “permanently inconvenienced.” She did not allow those inconveniences to sideline her. She worked for about 40 years at Trinity Retreat in Larchmont, where she was the receptionist and an assistant to Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R. She was known for her wit, directness and spunk.
Born in Rye to Marie and James Killilea, Karen was three months premature and did not move and develop as most infants do. Her parents took her to many doctors but received neither a diagnosis nor encouragement, until one doctor diagnosed her with cerebral palsy. The Killileas began a program of daily exercises with Karen to build muscle strength and help her to move her limbs. As a teenager she walked with crutches and learned to swim. Later she chose to use a wheelchair because it offered greater mobility.
Karen attended Good Counsel Academy in White Plains. As a young woman she trained dogs for competition in shows.
The Killileas lived for many years in Larchmont, and Karen later lived independently in New Rochelle and Larchmont.
Karen is survived by two sisters, Kristin Viltz and Marie Killilea Iris, and a brother, Rory.
